A toy camera - with some cool abilities

I bought this camera as a spontaneous Dell ‘deal of the day’ for $149 CDN about two months ago. I’ve had a WiFi network since the very first incarnations of 802.11, and have come close to spending nearly $1000 per camera in the past. Knowing that $150 was a good deal, I figured I would give this one a shot.

The first unit I got would not connect to the wireless network. I spent about an hour playing around – disabling all security layers and even trying a backup router we keep around. Tech support confirmed that I had a dud, and asked that I speak to Dell to get a replacement. I did, and although it was a bit frustrating (always takes a while to get Dell to come around) I got my replacement unit – which worked on my first try with all levels of security enabled. I was pleased to see full WPA support – as many WiFi devices still only support WEP.

The image quality is ‘ok’ – it certainly isn’t great – and it is completely useless in low light situations. My house is also ‘wired’ – so I often leave this connected to the CAT5 – which allows me to turn down the compression to the minimum settings and still maintain an acceptable frame rate for video. Using the wireless you really need to turn on the compression rate, which makes things a bit fuzzier but less jerky.

Another problem I have found is with the camera presets. Presets allow you to move the camera to a desired position and save this position in one of 24 slots. You can then quickly move the camera between your set positions, or allow your camera to swing through all the positions (and then unfortunately stopping instead of repeating the swing). Well – the presets would not save for me for the longest time. I have noticed that many other users have given up on this. I did have it working on my first camera (that was returned to Dell) and I did like it, so I knew it was possible. I am not sure why it magically worked one time – as I had spoken with tech support, tried ActiveX and Java viewers, switched computers, but one time it just worked. Hmmm

I had been using the camera for several weeks before I bothered installing their IPViewPro software – as it seemed to be designed to manage multiple cameras and I was doing fine from the browser window. I was looking for the motion detection functions, and when I couldn’t find anything in the browser configuration I installed the software. Sure enough all of that functionality only runs on the PC – which is a bit of a disappointment as I wanted that stuff to work without having to leave my PC on – like when I am away on vacation. I did have fun playing around with it though – it allows you to set a sound file – which I set to an MP3 I made of sirens, cops shouting and a recording telling the intruders that their video footage is being uploaded to a remote monitoring site and the authorities have been notified. Of course, since the camera is useless at night I have to hope that my break-in happens on a bright day.

I have a 14 month old boy – and I have family living on the other side of the world – so one of our favorite applications has been to give them access to our camera via a web page – so when we are on the phone and they are near a computer they can login and see us. Of course – the same goes for me when I am away – I presume that it will be handy to be able to watch babysitters/contractors etc.. Keep in mind that the camera makes noise as it turns – which is a good giveaway that you are spying.

The digital zoom is useless – as the picture starts out too fuzzy to begin with. I also have a baby monitoring system from Mobi (MobiCam) that has a wider angle lens, so when the two cameras are side by side I actually see a lot more of the room with the MobiCam. I can’t pan around, so the potential viewing area on the Trendnet is bigger, but it is really handy to see at a glance the whole area.

As you might have already noticed I am a very technical person. I have several servers that I manage – so configuring the email and FTP was simple. However, if you aren’t very technical, and are expecting everything to work out of the box you might be in for a shock. The instructions could have been MUCH simpler, and the design of the configuration screens could use some better help and descriptions.

I would give their support an average score. It took me a long time to prove that the wireless in my first unit wasn’t working – then they just passed me back to Dell without helping RMA it. The second time I tried calling I couldn’t hear them (they are obviously using a seriously discounted telephony system). The third time I tried (since the second I just gave up and hung up) they told me they were experiencing technical difficulties and would call me back in an hour. Never heard back from them… Of course – this level of support is atrocious – but it seems to be average in the industry. At least they have an 800 number and they answer it. Why we put up with this level of service is another story…

So – if you want a toy to play with you will get a lot of use out of this camera. Bang for the buck is high – controlling the camera remotely – panning/tilting – and wireless so you can put it anywhere in your WiFi network – all for $150 CDN is fantastic. Expect to take some time with it though – it will most certainly frustrate you at times. If you are looking for a security network get a properly designed combination of units – this really is a toy first with some surveillance abilities second.